First Ringling Brothers' circus
May 19, 1884
First Ringling Brothers' circus
Five of August Frederick Rungeling's seven sons--Albert, Otto, Alfred, Charles, and John--started their own circus and its opening performance was on May 19, 1884. Within three years the other two sons, Henry and Gus, had joined their brothers in the circus business. Somewhere along the way they simplied their last name to Ringling.
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